Drop in Opioid Overdose Deaths Nears 50% Since 2023

Opioid overdose deaths in the United States have dropped significantly, falling nearly 50% from their peak in 2023, according to new federal data. This marks a notable shift after years of increasing fatalities driven largely by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The decline is being seen across much of the country, offering cautious optimism to public health officials who have been working to curb the crisis.

Ohio is among the states experiencing meaningful progress. The state has seen a substantial decrease in overdose deaths over the past year, reflecting trends seen nationwide. Expanded access to naloxone, increased availability of treatment, and coordinated state and local response efforts have all contributed to the decline, alongside possible changes in the illicit drug supply.

Despite these improvements, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, and challenges persist. Trends continue to vary across regions and populations, and some communities are not seeing the same level of decline. Experts caution that while the data is encouraging, it does not signal the end of the crisis.

Public health leaders emphasize the importance of sustaining investments in prevention, treatment, and recovery supports. Continued focus on harm reduction strategies and access to care will be critical to maintaining this progress and ensuring that declines in overdose deaths continue over time.

Read the full article here.

The Ohio Council Welcomes New Provider Member, Focus Residential Group, LLC

Focus Residential Group LLC in Franklin Furnace, OH. Kelly Gifford, CEO can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at (740) 259-7000. Focus Residential Group LLC is a behavioral health agency proudly serving communities across Ohio since 2014. They specialize in addiction recovery and mental health counseling, offering evidence-based treatment for individuals and families affected by substance use and behavioral health challenges. Their primary services are behavioral health, group, individual, case management, and nursing in all Ohio Counties. 

Click here to learn more about Focus Residential Group LLC!

13th Annual Trauma-Informed Care Summit

The 13th Annual Trauma-Informed Summit, hosted by the Ohio Children's Alliance in partnership with the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, brings together professionals and community leaders committed to building resilient workplaces and communities.

Taking place May 20-21, 2026, the Summit invites leaders, HR professionals, and direct service providers to explore resilience-focused practices appropriate for the workforce. Through keynote presentations, breakout workshops, and cross-sector conversations, you will deepen your understanding of trauma-informed approaches while discovering innovative strategies to support individuals, organizations, and systems.

Day 1: Dr. Benjamin Miller, PsyD

Co-Owner, Adjunct Faculty, Revolution Desk, LLC, Stanford School of Medicine

Dr. Miller is a nationally recognized clinical psychologist and policy expert with more than two decades of experience advancing mental health integration and systemic reform. His work bridges the gap between policy and practice to create more equitable and sustainable mental health systems.

Day 2: Derek Clark

Motivational & Inspirational Speaker; Keynote Speaker; Viral Video 250 Million Views; TEDx Speaker

After spending 13 years in the foster care system, Derek Clark has become a global voice for resilience and perseverance. Through powerful storytelling, he shares lessons from his life journey to inspire audiences to overcome adversity and never limit their potential.

• View the full agenda: https://cvent.me/7oQ212
• Register Today: https://cvent.me/YlB0Pq

Plenary and breakout session workshops will be submitted for review for Continuing Education for the following disciplines:

• Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist
• DODD: Professional Development-Early Intervention; In-Service Training; Continuing Professional Education; Professional Development-Early Intervention Specialist
• SHRM
• OPOTA

Pre-Summit | May 19 | 1pm-4pm

HR professionals navigate complex people dynamics every day, supporting teams, managing conflict, and preventing burnout while building cultures where employees can thrive. In today’s world, those challenges are deeply shaped by stress, chronic fatigue, and trauma that employees carry into the workplace.

That’s why we’re excited to invite you to an immersive half‑day learning experience designed exclusively for HR professionals and other people leaders. 

Led by REAL Human Performance, nationally recognized experts in nervous system–based resilience training, this session brings a fresh, accessible approach to:

• Building a trauma informed foundation for HR policy, communication, and employee support
• Translating trauma informed principles into everyday HR scenarios
• Mapping how stress impacts communication, decision making, and team culture
• Applying the ABCs of Presence to support grounded, confident leadership
• Building micro reset practices to sustain energy and reduce burnout

You’ll walk away with real strategies you can use immediately to strengthen employee wellbeing and leadership sustainability.

• View the full agenda: https://cvent.me/EyZwz9
• Register Today: https://cvent.me/LyLW4D 

The pre-Summit will be submitted for SHRM and Social Work, Counselor, Marriage Family Therapist credits.

For current event details, agenda information, and registration, please visit the official summit event page:

Go to the registration site:
https://web.cvent.com/event/7e357e8d-ec87-4041-b517-834681dd293e/summary

This registration site is the primary source for updated summit information, including session details, schedules, and attendance information.

Ohio Mental Health Care Summit (Annual Psychiatric Update) – April 18-19, 2026

The Ohio Psychiatric Physicians Association (OPPA) will host its Ohio Mental Health Care Clinical Summit (Annual Psychiatric Update) on April 18-19, 2026 at the Hilton Polaris, in Columbus. The 2026 meeting’s theme is: Bridging Worlds: The Art and Science of Modern Psychiatry. Join some of the nation’s leading psychiatric experts who will be speaking on a variety of cutting-edge, evidence-based care for individuals with mental illness, including Gut Microbiome and Mental Health, GLP-1 and Psychiatric Illnesses, Bridging Therapy and AI, and much more.

The 2026 meeting promises to be an exceptional educational opportunity, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals at all levels. Whether you are a new or seasoned psychiatrist, an advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, emerging researcher, or a student passionate about mental health, the 2026 Ohio Mental Health Care Summit will provide valuable learning experiences and networking opportunities to enhance your practice.

Use code TOC2026 to receive $100 off the non-member rate. Register today – rates go up on April 1.